SIERRA MADRE – Six former Sierra Madre mayors have formed a coalition to oppose Measure V, the stringent anti-growth ballot measure on a local ballot next month.

As members of The Committee to Preserve Sierra Madre, the mayors sent out a letter this week outlining what they consider the measure’s negative impact before the special election April 17.

The proposed Measure V requires any developments proposed in the city’s downtown greater than two stories or 30 feet in height and 13 units per acre to go to a vote of the people rather than the City Council.

The letter identifies what the mayors consider “fatal flaws,” including what they fear would be non-stop elections, waste of taxpayer money and movement of development into residential neighborhoods.

“The letter contains a number of misleading statements,” said Councilman Kurt Zimmerman.

“First, there will only be elections held for the voters to approve or reject mega-projects, which would exceed two stories or 13 dwelling units, and that would also include approval for certain above-ground parking lots,” said Zimmerman.

The April 17 election is estimated to cost $100,000, said Hayes. “The problem is, even if our side is victorious, we just lost another $100,000 to pay for this goofy election.”